We’re living in an age of deep hypocrisy; the good news is that the youth recognize it, are calling it out and demanding accountability. 

Witness the Energy Conference in Albuquerque on Sept. 14 where politicians and fossil fuel CEOs patted each other on the back while sanctimoniously discussing the “all-of-the-above-approach” to de-carbonization. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the fossil fuel industry embraces the “all-of-the-above-approach” because blue hydrogen production and wishful thinking about the future of CCS (carbon capture and sequestration) enables the industry to keep drilling and pumping.  PDA-CNM joined the youth and indigenous groups protesting outside the conference hotel.

Three days later (Sunday, Sept. 17) more than 75,000 people joined the March to End Fossil Fuels in NYC. Organized by the youth and endorsed by over 700 organizations, including Progressive Democrats of America, their message was directed to President Biden and was unmistakably clear — “Declare a national climate emergency now!”  A formal declaration of a national climate emergency would unleash executive powers commensurate with the scale of this existential threat.   

Although he announced his American Climate Corps to train young people for jobs in the clean energy economy, Biden has not declared a national climate emergency. The hypocrisy couldn’t be more stark. As the leader of the country with the world’s largest oil production in 2022, and the largest total world oil consumption in 2021, President Biden could be a transformative leader in responding to the urgency of this moment, but his actions show that he’s not. Instead, he’s straddling two competing and conflicting goals (as is Governor Lujan-Grisham and many NM politicians) but they can’t fool the youth. The planet and Earth scientists are not interested in partisan politics or politicians. Science operates according to rules that not even the most ardent advocates for or against fossil fuels can change.

The window to prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis is closing fast. We must reduce emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 to have a chance to keep the 1.5 C goal within reach for our children and future generations. The scientists are telling us that we must reach net zero emissions by mid-century. (UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message.) We’re currently on the wrong trajectory; the reality is that carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are rising into uncharted levels. The youth know it and won’t sit idle as so-called “leaders” in COP28, in Washington, DC and in Santa Fe play the “all-of-the-above” game.

What Needs to Happen Now?

The youth, indigenous groups and the many allies who came together in NYC are continuing to mobilize to demand an end to fossil fuels. Join one of the groups who are going to be in President Biden’s face between now and the election demanding action, not words and promises. I’m confident that every politician will understand the strength of those voices in future elections because their numbers are growing, and their votes will be loud and clear.  

Watch Al Gore’s fiery TED Talk in July where he asks, of the oil and gas business, “Do you take us for fools?”

Call President Biden on the White House Comment Line between 11 am and 3 pm (ET) 202-456-1111 and tell him to declare a national climate emergency.

Join PDA’s Liaison Program and engage regularly with our New Mexico Congressional delegation.

Step up and join an organization that will be challenging politicians to “end fossil fuels and leave it in the ground” such as Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico , 350NewMexico.org , The Climate Reality Project – Northern New Mexico Chapter and ThirdAct.org .

What we do together between now and 2030 is actually life or death for the planet.

• Lora A. Lucero, LoraLucero3@gmail.com